[DOES INCIDENTAL CALCIUM DEPOSITION IN NON-CARDIAC CT SCANS PREDICT CARDIOVASCULAR MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY IN YOUNG ADULTS - A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY].

INTRODUCTION: Calcium score (CS) in cardiac CT scans represents an effective tool in the early diagnosis of cardiovascular disease. Few studies evaluated the value of incidental arterial calcification (AC) in non-cardiac CT scans, especially in young adults with no prior cardiovascular disease. AIMS: To examine the relationship between arterial calcifications and the incidence of cardiovascular events. METHODS: A retrospective study in patients aged 40-51 years old with no history of cardiovascular disease who underwent chest CT scans between 1.9.2012-31.8.2013 for reasons not related to cardiovascular disease. We assessed the presence of AC in the aorta and coronary arteries and its association with the rates of coronary catheterization for acute coronary syndrome (ACS), cardiac mortality and emergency room (ER) visits or hospitalizations for cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, we examined the association between AC and atherosclerotic risk factors. RESULTS: A total of 407 patients underwent CT scans for non-cardiovascular reasons within the timeframe specified; 308 were included in the study, 150 men and 158 women with average follow-up period of 7.2+0.29 years. There was an increased frequency in ACS and coronary catheterizations in patients with a positive AC compared to those with null AC (11.6% vs. 0.5% respectively, P= 0.0001, OR = 29.1). A positive AC was found more in men than women (35% vs. 20.9% respectively, P=0.006, OR=2.18). Patients with a positive AC had more ER and hospital admissions (33.7 % vs. 14.4% respectively, P<0.0001, OR=3). Patients with diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia exhibited higher rates of positive AC. CONCLUSIONS: Although multivariate analysis is still to be conducted, it seems that AC is associated with cardiovascular morbidity and increased incidence of coronary catheterizations. Primary preventive strategies in patients with positive AC may reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.